Newburgh cab drivers help police nab suspects in robbery

NEWBURGH — Newburgh taxicab drivers coming to the aid of a fellow driver helped police nab two teens who held the cabby up at gunpoint early Thursday morning, police say.

James Nani

NEWBURGH — Newburgh taxicab drivers coming to the aid of a fellow driver helped police nab two teens who held the cabby up at gunpoint early Thursday morning, police say.

At 3:20 a.m., City of Newburgh police say, they received a call of a robbery near 280 Broadway. When police arrived, taxi drivers who rushed to the scene pointed out a fleeing suspect. Police say they chased the suspect, a 14-year-old, and held him.

The driver who was robbed told police that while he was parked and talking on his cellphone, someone opened the door, pointed a gun in his face and tried to grab the phone. There was a struggle, and two more men appeared, dragged him out of the car, onto the ground and held him, police say. A backpack and cash were stolen.

After the first arrest, cab drivers kept an eye out for the other suspects and told police when they saw a teen fitting the description running. He was 15. Both were suspects were charged with felony robbery. The third suspect and the gun haven't been found. Both suspects were arraigned in City Court as juvenile offenders. Police are asking anyone with information to call them at 561-3131.